With winter celebrations upon us, what better time to learn where some of our current tradition stem from.
Yule, or Yule-tide is a Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice and is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. It is a time rebirth, renewal and the return of light. Yule wasn't just a one day celebration, but more like a festival and was celebrated by Norse and Germanic cultures for a period of 12 days. This year the Yule celebration is December 21st through January 1st.
Common traditions of Yule include:
*Lighting the Yule log in the hearth which represented the sun and its warmth. The Yule log was a massive log that was traditionally burned over the 12-day celebration
*Decorating homes with wreaths, mistletoe, poinsettias, holy and bells
*Decorating evergreens like pine, cedar, spruce, or juniper
*Gather with other for feasts of roasted meat, mulled wine, spices cakes, and wassail
*Lighting candles which represented the return of light, triumph over darkness, and was also used to honor the God's
*Gift giving to honor the Gods and Goddess as well as show love and appreciation to one another.
*Common Yule colors incorporated in decorating included green, red, white, gold, and silver
Many of our current winter celebrations have many similarities to this Pagan holiday. Take some time this season to honor the deeper traditions, the energy of rebirth and the elements.